GRADUATE SHOWCASE
This graduate showcase is meant to display my learning throughout the years while attending Michigan State University's Master of Arts in Education program. The artifacts in this showcase demonstrate how I grew in my knowledge of best practices in literacy instruction, developed as an innovative thinker and learned how to address the needs of all students.
LITERACY INSTRUCTION
UNDERSTANDING LITERACY LEARNERS
To grow as a literacy instructor, I practiced designing personalized literacy instruction and implemented research-based practices. This artifact was written based on a case study where I applied my learning. I had to analyze student data, figure out what the student in the case study could do, and what extra support the student needed. After that, I wrote about different interventions that could be used to help the assist child to be a proficient reader.
ENHANCING READING INSTRUCTION
In order to enhance my reading instruction, I participated in a book study with the book "Inside Information" by Dr. Nell Duke. "Inside Information" provides ideas on how to develop powerful readers of informational text through project-based learning. Throughout the book, Duke lays out how to develop and implement projects in a step-by-step process and makes an argument on why Project Based Learning is a good way to meet student needs.
ENHANCING WRITING INSTRUCTION
To help enhance my writing instruction, I read and reviewed the book "What a Writer Needs" by Ralph Fletcher. It is the “ultimate guide” for writers and teachers on elements of writing such as vivid details, compelling voice, engaging leads and endings. Fletcher does a great job of providing examples and modeling how these key details can come to life in both popular kinds of literature and in his own writing. "What A Writer Needs" taught me elements of good writing, how to integrate these elements in my classroom, and left me with some questions about how to better teach digital, opinion, and informational writing.
WRITING CURRICULUM ANALYSIS
After researching best practices in writing instruction, I had to analyze the Wonder's writing curriculum that is implemented in my school district. To do this, I first applied my knowledge of best writing practices and reflected on the strengths of Wonder's writing curriculum. Afterward, I suggested revisions to improve the curriculum and my teaching.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
RE-PURPOSED LESSON PLAN
Educational technology is a tool that can help to enhance instruction. For this re-purposed lesson plan, I revised an "area model multiplication" lesson and used the technological tool Classkick to help deliver instruction, engage students, provide immediate feedback, and formatively assess my students.
CREATING CONTENT
I designed a video to teach my students about the Midwest Region of the United States of America. I had to learn how to select images, insert audio, and deliver information in an engaging way. In the video, I discuss what states make up the Midwest region, what products and natural resources are made in the Midwest region, and describe the climate and culture.
LOOKING AT OTHER INNOVATORS
I studied seven eminent Americans who displayed a passion for learning while reading Passion For Learning, by Philip Cusick. One learner, Benjamin Franklin, demonstrated not only a passion for learning but also an understanding of the importance of intelligence and intelligent expression. In this essay, I reflect on how these qualities helped Franklin to be a successful scientist, philosopher, inventor, and politician.
SOCIAL- EMOTIONAL LEARNING
MEETING STUDENTS' NEEDS
I learned about the psychological and behavioral characteristics of students who are "hard to teach." Then, I applied my learning and developed a process for working with a "challenging student" in my classroom. I also collaborated with his family and reflected on my interventions and professional stance.